• Alternatives to group health plans and expensive private insurance plans exist.doctors desk and tools image by Keith Frith from Fotolia.com
  
  The face of health care in the U.S. is changing because of federal health care reform passed in 2010. By 2014, there will be a new United States Health Exchange which will ensure people with pre-existing conditions are not denied coverage. Additionally, coverage for currently uninsured individuals may become more affordable and comprehensive thanks to the exchange. In the meantime, applicants with pre-existing conditions may obtain coverage by joining high-risk pools available by the beginning of 2011 and also can consider other options.
  
  

Programs for Freelancers

• An increasing number of unions for freelance employees are offering individual and family insurance coverage at rates lower than those available to people seeking individual coverage independently. For example, the freelance writer's community MediaBistro offers comprehensive health insurance to members who pay a small fee to join the union AvantGuild. Coverage for freelancers involved in other professions is also available through the Freelancer's Union. Finally, online-based companies may provide similar coverage to independently contracted employees who meet a certain level of monthly productivity.
  
  

Short-Term Coverage

• Short-term medical coverage is available to people who temporarily need individual coverage. Short-term insurance is capped at a period of around six months depending on the plan and tends to offer comprehensive coverage of major procedures and unexpected doctor visits but not planned health checks. The cost of short-term coverage is less than that of comprehensive private plans, and savings can be increased by opting to pay the full premium up-front rather than paying it month-by-month. Additionally, applicants may wait weeks before comprehensive private plans take effect. However, short-term insurance is normally active the day after applying. Short-term insurance is available via private insurance agents and online agents.
  
  

Medicaid

• Medicaid provides major medical coverage to qualifying applicants at no, to little, charge. Qualification is based on a number of factors including income, eligibility for group health plans, specific medical conditions and age. Some people who would not ordinarily qualify for regular Medicaid are eligible to receive complete coverage under certain types of temporary Medicaid designed for specific populations such as pregnant women and young children. People interested in applying for coverage may do so via their local health department. Alternatively, applications are also available through the department of family and children services.